December 13

December 13, 2009

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! We love the holidays and more than ever, it has meant so much to our family. I now really appreciate the holidays being stuck right in the middle of the dead of winter, what a way to lift the spirits.

Natalee ended her round a week before Thanksgiving so by the time of the event, she was feeling more her self. November’s round of chemo was more difficult for Natalee; she spent more time lying down and very tired. For Thanksgiving, all of the family was home for the whole week, and I have to give a lot of thanks to the Gwynn family for bringing that about (Ryan’s in-laws). We went to our friend’s beach house on the Tuesday before and enjoyed our Thanksgiving there. On Wednesday we were able to go down to the beach with the most perfect fall weather you can ask for. No wind, the sun was out, and it was in the low 60’s. We just relaxed, played football and laughed together. It is a day that was a picture perfect memory for all of us. Thanksgiving day it rained all day, but who cares when you’re stuffing yourself all day, watching football, playing games etc. We came home to Tigard, to have our Christmas on the weekend, since Ryan and Lindsay will be spending it with her family. It was a wonderful week!!!

With the Thanksgiving month just past, our hearts have been filled with so much gratitude. I am amazed at the beautiful people that we have been graced with. THANK YOU SO MUCH!! There are too many people that have carried us that it would take about 5 pages to write them all down. There is one group that I feel I have not personally thanked. Starting way back from the beginning, (seven months) our hearts were filled with the compassion that the Conestoga students, parents and staff, extended to us. Thank you for your generous gift by way of a financial contribution, your prayers, and words of comfort, the youth rallied behind Natalee, and we felt the spirit of all your prayers and concerns for her. You really lifted her up.

Update on Natalee; she has gained 20 pounds!! Who would ever think we would be delighted to gain that much. At the end of this round she will be scanned to see if there are any changes.

December’s round she is doing great!! She started this round on Dec. 1st , the first 11 days, she was doing so well and able get up and be normal, feeling a little fatigued and dizzy, This is a first for her to be on it that long and not have her to where she is unable to get up from her bed. Usually day 4 is where we see a major change. Such a marvelous thing!!! The great thing is since she was doing so great she was able to go with the youth from our church to the Temple; she came home so elated!

Currently Natalee is not feeling well but she is already half way through this round. She will finish on Dec. 28 just in time before school starts up, to which we are planning on starting up again.